Equality of Opportunity

1. Equality of Opportunity

2. Objectives Define Equality & Diversity (E&D) Review how WLLS promotes E&D Identify opportunities to promote E&D and share with group Review obligations under DDA and define disability Appropriate terminology to use when speaking to or about disabled people

3. Definition Equality of Opportunity Equal Opportunity means the need to promote equality of opportunity between people with a disability and those without, between men and women, between different racial groups and any other groups or individuals who may be disadvantaged in gaining access to, or success in, adult education.

4. WLLS Policy Statement WL&FLS is committed to equality of opportunity for everyone regardless of his or her race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, sexuality, disability, age or marital status. No staff or learners should receive less favourable treatment on any of these grounds.

5. How WE Promote Equality of Opportunity Procedures ensure fair and equal treatment in relation to learner recruitment and assessment. Action is taken to make teaching and learning environments accessible to all. Monitoring of these procedures is carried out regularly. Existing procedures are reviewed and examined to ensure that they are not discriminatory in their operation.

6. How we promote…cont’d There is a complaints procedure available to all who may need it. Language used in the Service communications reflects and promotes the letter and spirit of the policy. Serious breaches of the policy are dealt with through disciplinary procedures.

7. Some examples of promoting E&D Printing promotional materials in other languages Differentiation in session plans Use of specialist equipment for identified learners e.g. joystick mouse Learning materials adapted for dyslexic learners e.g. printed on colour paper Session times moved to accommodate transport difficulties/parents collecting children

8. Some examples…cont’d Course content and materials challenges stereotypical perceptions, is sensitive to individual needs and celebrates diversity Monitoring of learner achievement and adjustment of course where appropriate Sensitivity to cultural issues when selecting course materials

9. How do YOU promote Equality of Opportunity in your role? Task 1: In pairs - consider the examples given - identify ways you promote E&D. Make a note of 2 examples.

10. Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Requires employers and service providers to take ‘reasonable measures’ to ensure that they are not discriminating against people with a disability. The Act also makes it unlawful to treat a disabled person less favourably because of their disability.

11. Defining disability Task 2: In pairs, define disability?

12. Definition of ‘Disability’ A disabled person is someone who has a physical or mental impairment, which has an effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. That effect must be: substantial (that is, more than minor or trivial); long term (that is, has lasted or is likely to last for at least 12 months or for the rest of the life of the person affected); and adverse.

13. Finally, when working with learners with a disability or learning difficulty, remember: Treat people as individuals, not conditions. Don’t assume you know the implications of a disability, ask the learner who is the expert Be aware that embarrassment, pity, patronising behaviour causes barriers not the individual’s disability. Ensure that the range of resources is appropriate and adequate to meet the needs of all learners.

14. Summary We: know what Equality & Diversity (E&D) is and how WLLS promotes it. identified opportunities to promote E&D in own role. reviewed obligations under DDA and defined disability. identified appropriate terminology to use when speaking to or about disabled people.